Dimapur: A top government official in Nagaland has expressed concern over the negative impact of social media and cautioned students to use those platforms responsibly.

People in developed countries use social media to bring about positive change, but the social media culture is influencing Indians mostly in a negative way, laments N Jacob Zhimomi, parliamentary secretary for irrigation and flood control of the Nagaland government.

The former student of Delhi’s St Stephen’s College, however, , encouraged students not to be disheartened and said whoever study hard and work hard would succeed.

The 33-year-old official was speaking as chief guest at the opening session of Highway Area Sumi Students Union Youth Festival 2016, which got underway at Agri Expo, 4th mile in Dimapur on May 19.

Touching upon the employment issue in the northeastern Indian state, the parliamentary secretary noted an excess employment as everybody was seeking government job. Getting job in government sector has reached a saturation point, he added.

Asserting that competition was very high and not everyone can become officers, Jacob, however, asserted that there was no task that was “below standard.” He advised the students to be humble, sincere and consistent. “Whoever is passionate to work hard would emerge successful,” he added.

He lauded the organizers o the cultural event and cautioned the young against losing touch with one’s culture. “It is good to be influenced by other cultures, but that should not lead to losing one’s culture,” he added.

At the same time, he called upon the young people not to lose traditions like honoring and respecting elders. Jacob encouraged the youth to uphold and preserve traditions and customs handed down by forefathers, reports nagalandpost.com.

Further, he emphasized on the importance of mother tongue and urged the students to protect and promote one’s language.